Apple Trademark Infringement in China Again

The Shenzen, China-based company called Proview Technology is still after Apple, claiming that Apple is illegally selling iPads in China. A new suit against Apple for trademark infringement was filed a few days ago, as Apple appealed a recent Chinese court decision in favor of Proview. According to lawyers for Proview, Apple only bought the rights to iPad outside of China, but Proview still owns the mark in China.

Apple officially began selling the iPad in China in September 2010, after months of gray market activity amid eager buyers and sellers. But the launch was short lived and problematic due to the trademark squabble raised by Proview. The Taiwanese company that owns Proview registered the iPad trademark in 2000. They have already asked for 10 billion yuan from Apple ($1.6 billion U.S.) for the trademark infringement. Undoubtedly, Apple would like to sell iPads in China, but this ongoing intellectual property dispute has greatly hindered their presence there.